International Firefighters’ Day in South Australia

On Tuesday, 4 May, firefighters and communities across the world will mark International Firefighters’ Day.

International Firefighters’ Day is a chance for the global community to honour the sacrifices that firefighters make, and a day when current and past firefighters can be thanked for their efforts.

Firefighters who have lost their lives while serving their community can also be remembered.

The state’s Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon. Michael Wright MP says South Australians should pause today to reflect on the contributions South Australia’s firefighters have made.

“Our Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) and Country Fire Service (CFS) firefighters put their lives on the line to save lives and protect property every single day. It’s important that we take a moment today to reflect on their selfless pursuit of public safety,” Minister Wright says.

MFS Chief Officer, Grant Lupton says paid and volunteer firefighters respond to a range of challenging incidents such as house fires, bushfires, road crashes and fatalities.

“MFS and CFS firefighters are often called upon to respond to highly stressful and unpredictable situations, but they perform their duties with a high degree of sensitivity and expertise.

“Today I urge South Australians to remember the efforts of firefighters both present and past, and the risks firefighters encounter protecting lives and property, while remembering all firefighters who have lost their lives, including the nine MFS firefighters who have died in the line of duty since 1862,” Mr Lupton says.

CFS Chief Officer Euan Ferguson says International Firefighters’ Day is an opportunity to honour the firefighters whose efforts help keep South Australia’s rural communities safe.

“Working for the fire service as a volunteer or paid firefighter is a challenging and sometimes confronting experience, and we reflect on the sacrifices our past and present firefighters continue to make in the name of community safety.

“Today we honour the history of mateship and family of the CFS, by thanking the men and women who voluntarily dedicate their time, without expectation of reward or recognition, and remembering the 13 CFS volunteers who have died in active duty since 1979,” Mr Ferguson says.

International Firefighters’ Day coincides with St Florian’s day in Europe. St Florian was linked to fire fighting in the Roman Empire and is the patron saint of all firefighters.